Osmotic and Ionic Factors in Bronchial Responsiveness

Tracheo-bronchial epithelial cells are capable of active ion transport processes through which they can regulate both the amount and osmolarity of the periciliary and intercellular fluid (1-4). These variables can play an important role in modulating bronchial responsiveness, particularly in response to provoking agents acting through an osmolar mechanism, such as ultrasonically nebulized hypotonic and hypertonic solutions, exercise, and hyperventilation (5-9).